The little guy took the gift and carefully unwrapped it. Beneath the beautiful wrapping paper was a small box, unadorned with any elaborate carvings—just an ordinary-looking wooden box that seemed rather old and had a sense of antiquity.
Upon opening the lid, he saw a silver-wrapped tooth resting on black velvet inside. The silverwork was exquisitely crafted, a perfect combination of roses and a longsword in its design, snugly wrapping around a slightly yellowed tooth.
Looking closely, one could still see dark crimson lines on it.
The sight of this object caused the little guy’s eyebrows to furrow slightly.
"Is this... a wolf tooth?"
"Why..." Chongchong pursed her lips, "don’t you like it?"
"I guess, it must be from a big wolf." The little guy reached out his small hand, cradling the wolf tooth and examining it closely, "This seems to be an upper tooth, right? The bloodline is so beautiful!"
Chongchong then breathed a sigh of relief.
She wasn’t afraid her gift wasn’t good, only that it wouldn’t be appreciated. This was her most precious possession, and her little nephew certainly didn’t disappoint her.
Impressive, little one, you really know your stuff!" Chongchong said with a laugh, "That’s right, this is one of the teeth from a wolf we hunted together—your dad, Uncle Xiaoqi, and me. Four teeth in total, they got one each, and I got two. Now, I’m giving one of the upper teeth to you, hoping it will protect you just like it did for us."
The little guy lifted his face and gave her a radiant smile, "Thank you, Auntie."
"Don’t mention it." Chongchong replied with a smile, "For now, hand the box to your mommy for safekeeping. Let’s go take a tour and I can also tell you more about our wolf hunting adventure, okay?"
The little guy responded with a smile, and Gan Yuan came over to carefully take the wolf tooth. Chongchong immediately took the little guy’s hand and waved to the two, who walked away cheerfully chatting.
Huangfu Jue came over with a smile, "She’s got a soft spot for Xiaotang."
Those two wolf teeth, always treasured by Chongchong, had been kept in her collection and had never been brought out before. Now, to give one of them to Gan Tang was a gesture that clearly needed no words.
Gan Yuan nodded, delicately placing the wolf tooth in her handbag.
"Let’s go!" Huangfu Jue took her hand again, "We’re off to see Mom."
The two ascended the stairs together. As they reached the third-floor corridor, Huangfu Yaoyang and Leng Xiaoye happened to come out.
On such a grand day, both were dressed to the nines.
Huangfu Yaoyang was in military uniform, proudly displaying several medals on his chest. Leng Xiaoye was adorned in a dark red dress, her long hair elegantly piled up, topped with a small golden crown—she was dignified and regal.
"Your Majesty, the King, and Queen!"
Gan Yuan paused her steps, gracefully performing a courtly bow to the two.
Huangfu Yaoyang nodded slightly in acknowledgment, while Leng Xiaoye offered her a warm smile.
"Littleyuan, could you help me with my dress?"
Gan Yuan, realizing the request was pretext for conversation, immediately nodded.
Leng Xiaoye turned and walked toward the small drawing-room to the side, and Huangfu Jue gently squeezed Gan Yuan’s hand—a gesture of both comfort and encouragement.
She would have to face her parents sooner or later.
Gan Yuan turned her face slightly to give him a ’no worries’ look, nodded at Huangfu Yaoyang as a sign of respect, and stepped to follow Leng Xiaoye.
As they walked away, Huangfu Yaoyang gave his son a light nod towards the chin.
"You... come with me!"
Huangfu Jue stepped aside to let his father pass, then followed in his footsteps.